the Aviation Dictionary

automated terminal tracking system (ATTS) - Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)
observing functions necessary to generate an aviation
routine weather report (METAR) and other aviation
weather information. ASOS information may be
transmitted over a discrete VHF radio frequency or the
voice portion of a local NAVAID.
automated terminal tracking system (ATTS) - ATTS
is used to identify the numerous tracking systems
including ARTS IIA, ARTS IIE, ARTS IIIA, ARTS
IIIE, STARS, and M-EARTS.
automated unicorn - Provides completely automated
weather, radio check capability and airport advisory
information on an Automated UNICOM system. These
systems offer a variety of features, typically selectable
by microphone clicks, on the UNICOM frequency.
Availability will be published in the AirportRacility
Directory and approach charts.
automated weather observing system (AWOS)- An
automated weather reporting system which transmits
local real-time weather data directly to the pilot.
a. AWOS-A only reports altimeter setting.
b. AWOS-I Usually reports altimeter setting, wind
data, temperature, dewpoint and density altitude.
c. AWOS-2 Reports same as AWOS-1 plus visibility.
d. AWOS-3 Reports the same as AWOS-2 plus
cloud/ceiling data.
automated weather sensor system (AWSS) - The
AWSS is part of the Aviation Surface Weather
Observation Network suite of programs and provides
pilots and other users with weather information through
the Automated Surface Observing System. The AWSS
sensor suite automatically collects, measures,
processes, and broadcasts surface weather data.
automated weather system - Any of the automated
weather sensor platforms that collect weather data at
airports and disseminate the weather information via
radio andor landline. The systems currently consist of
the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS),
Automated Weather Sensor System (AWSS) and
Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS).
automatic - An operation that occurs by itself. An
automatic operation has all the necessary signals built
into it so that it will perform its function without any
external decision or manipulation.
automatic adjusters - A portion of the return spring
system of disk brakes that maintain a constant
clearance between the disk and the brake linings as the
lining wears. The automatic adjusters allow the brake
piston to move back a specific amount each time the
brake is released.
automatic altitude report - An aircraft's altitude,
transmitted via the Mode C transponder feature, that is
visually displayed in 100-foot increments on a radar
scope having readout capability.
automatic altitude reporting - That function of a
transponder which responds to Mode C interrogations
by transmitting the aircraft's altitude in 100-foot
increments.
automatic carrier landing system - U.S. Navy final
approach equipment consisting of precision tracking
radar coupled to a computer data link to provide
continuous information to the aircraft, monitoring
capability to the pilot, and a backup approach system.
automatic direction finder (ADF) - An aircraft radio
navigation system which senses and indicates the
direction to a L/MF nondirectional radio beacon (NDB)
ground transmitter. Direction is indicated to the pilot as
a magnetic bearing or as a relative bearing-to the
longitudinal axis of the aircraft depending on the type
of indicator installed in the aircraft. In certain
applications, such as military, ADF operations may be
based on airborne and ground transmitters in the
VHFLJHF frequency spectrum.
automatic flight control system (AFCS) - A complete
instrument system including an automatic pilot that is
coupled with radio navigation and approach equipment.
An aircraft with an AFCS can be flown in a completely
automatic mode.
automatic frequency control (AFC) - A circuit in a
radio receiver that keeps the receiver tuned to a desired
frequency within specific limits.
automatic gain control (AGC) - An electronic circuit
within a radio receiver that keeps the output volume
relatively constant.
automatic mixture control (AMC) -A device in a fuel
metering system (carburetor or a fuel injection system)
that keeps the fuel-air mixture ratio constant as the
density of the air changes with altitude.
automatic pilot - An automatic flight control system
that keeps an aircraft in level flight or on a set course.
Automatic pilots can be given course guidance by the
human pilot, or they may be coupled to a radio
navigation signal.
Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) -
The continuous broadcast of recorded noncontrol
information in selected terminal areas. Its purpose is to
improve controller effectiveness and to relieve
frequency congestion by automating the repetitive
transmission of essential but routine information, e.g.,
"Los Angeles information Alfa. One three zero zero
Coordinated Universal Time. Weather, measured
ceiling two thousand overcast, visibility three, haze,
smoke, temperature seven one, dew point five seven,
wind two five zero at five, altimeter two niner niner
six. I-L-S Runway Two Five Left approach in use,
Runway Two Five Right closed, advise you have
Alfa."
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